School Board debates virtual days policy changes amid state law updates

The Mid-Del Schools Board Meeting held on July 15, 2025, focused on several key agenda items, including updates on school policies and the implementation of virtual instruction days.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding the late start Wednesdays, which will be noted on the school calendar for parents. Board members confirmed that this change would be communicated effectively.

A significant topic of discussion was the planned virtual instruction days for the 2026-2027 school year. Due to state requirements, schools can count up to two days of virtual instruction if approved by the state superintendent and if an emergency is declared by the governor. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of declaring virtual days based on weather conditions, as the governor may not declare an emergency during severe weather events. Consequently, the board acknowledged that the option for weather-related virtual days would be limited, emphasizing the importance of having students present in school.

The board then moved on to policy approvals, with several policies being revised in response to recent legislative changes. Policy C14, F5, I26, J41, and J47 were approved collectively, focusing on security improvements and updates to ensure compliance with state laws. Notably, Policy F5 will include notifications for patrons regarding recording on school property.

Policy C15, which pertains to in-district transfers for dependents of active military personnel, sparked further discussion. The board agreed to table this policy for further review to ensure consistency with existing transfer policies and to clarify the appeal process for denied transfer requests.

Additionally, Policy I35, related to virtual education, was also tabled for further refinement. Board members expressed the need to clarify that students under this policy would not have access to traditional school events and activities.

The meeting concluded with a request for a revision to Policy D20, concerning federal programs, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure all policies align with current regulations and best practices.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to adapting school policies in response to legislative changes while addressing the practical implications of virtual instruction and student transfers. Further discussions and revisions are expected in upcoming meetings to finalize these policies.